Ep 2. The Lady in the Iron Mask

In season 2 episode 2 of Moonlighting, titled "The Lady in the Iron Mask," private detectives Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd) and David Addison (Bruce Willis) are hired by a wealthy husband to investigate his wife's strange behavior. The wife, now known as the Lady in the Iron Mask, has been wearing a mask and behaving erratically ever since an accident in which her face was disfigured. Maddie and David must unravel the mystery surrounding the accident and help the Lady in the Iron Mask regain her confidence and sanity.

The episode begins with Maddie and David meeting the wealthy husband, Jack, at his mansion. Jack explains that his wife, Robin, has been acting strangely since an accident that happened six months ago. The accident left her with a disfigured face, and she has been wearing an iron mask ever since. Maddie and David agree to take the case and try to find out what is causing Robin's behavior.

The detectives start their investigation by interviewing Robin's doctor and the nurse who was present during the accident. They learn that Robin's face was severely burned in a fire and that she underwent numerous surgeries to reconstruct it. However, none of the surgeries were successful, and Robin's face remains disfigured. Maddie and David suspect that Robin's behavior may be the result of her husband's infidelity or some other family problem.

The detectives then visit Robin at her home, where they find her wearing the iron mask and acting strangely. Maddie and David try to talk to her, but she refuses to take off the mask or reveal her face. They eventually learn that Robin has become obsessed with her appearance and that the accident has left her feeling ugly and unlovable. Maddie and David try to convince her that she is more than her appearance and that her husband loves her, but Robin remains convinced that she is worthless.

As the investigation continues, Maddie and David discover that Robin's husband has been cheating on her with her sister. They confront Jack and convince him to come clean to Robin about the affair. Jack eventually tells Robin the truth, and she is devastated. Maddie and David try to comfort her and help her regain her confidence, but Robin is too hurt to listen.

Later, Robin disappears, and Maddie and David start to worry. They eventually find her at a beauty salon, where she has gone to get a makeover. Maddie and David convince Robin that she does not need to change her appearance to be happy and that she should accept herself as she is. Robin finally removes her mask and reveals her disfigured face to Maddie and David, and they reassure her that she is beautiful.

The episode ends with Maddie and David solving the case and helping Robin overcome her obsession with her appearance. They leave her feeling more confident and happy, and they hope that she will be able to move forward and rebuild her life.

"The Lady in the Iron Mask" is a heartwarming episode that explores issues of identity, self-esteem, and the perception of beauty. Maddie and David's determination to help Robin is admirable, and their efforts to convince her that she is more than her appearance are touching. The episode is also notable for its excellent writing and strong performances by the entire cast, particularly Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. Overall, it is a must-watch episode for fans of Moonlighting and anyone who appreciates a good mystery with a moral message.